To the best dad in the world... a dad present through my childhood, a dad loving to me and my mom, a dad who modeled not pushed, a dad who listened and hugged, a dad who played and danced, a dad who reminds me to stay close to God...
[eating raisins in our snow forts]
[first day of kindergarten - everyone brought their teddy bears, it wasn't just me ;)
[never too busy to read to me]
[at the same overlook we climbed last year.]
Day in and day out, I'm blessed and thankful to have you, Dad. Happy birthday, Happy Father's day, and happy every day in between. You have modeled for me a true man of God... which is why I married this guy...
... and which is why you two have such an amazing relationship. Because you loved me enough to instill in me the search for a man with Godly character, who would love me as much as you could. For that I thank you!! It's a special week - celebrating you twice! You're 54 years and lookin' young, dad. I love you so much!
On Father's day Sunday, Jared and I heard a great sermon. It was a sermon that challenged us as someday-parents, but moreover, made us so much more aware (than we already are) of what a blessing we have in our dads. The sermon was on the role that dads play in the lives of their children, to call out life in them. As our pastor made it quite clear, probably a greater amount of people in the service did not grow up in a household where there was Godly direction, love, and even a physical presence for that matter of their father. We sat humbly, very aware of the fact that both our fathers were present, loving, affirming, supportive, and called out life in us. What a blessing we have been given. We are the minority. And as we continued to listen, we became more and more grateful, emotional, and thankful. What about those who never experienced this kind of identity from their father? Do they feel empty? Hurt? How can we take on the role of calling out life to people who maybe have never had it seen in them? Enter the role of our Heavenly Father. "The father to the fatherless. " I can only imagine how much more difficult it is for them to understand the characteristics of our God as a father that come so naturally to us who have experienced the love of a dad. As much as I know I can't fix the problem of fatherless homes, I do know how much more it has opened my heart for those who need the love of a Heavenly Father so much greater. And it has made Jared and I intentful on how we can carry out that love by calling out life in people - their talents, their value and worth - all things that the Heavenly Father sees, and we can be His instrument for. Oh, how He loves us. Jared and I are beyond blessed to see our Father in 2 human examples.
On the actual Father's Day we spent some time in Chanhassen with my parents, and we kept busy baking a salted carmel "rhub-apple" pie - recipie coming SOON, playing ping pong, and watching the US Open. It was a wonderful day.
We are thankful every day for the blessing of our parents - but Dad, Dave - there is a special calling that you two have fulfilled as fathers and leaders. To call out God's life in Jared and I, encourage us, spiritually direct us and our families, make us feel valued and loved, and to model exactly the kind of father that God desires. Thank you! We love you so much!
Self-proclaimed and proud of it! Jared could tell you that though... I know I'm probably biased, but I am 100% sure that I have the best dad in the whole world.
Not only did he read to me (I hear my most common phrase was "readabook?"), he loves me unconditionally, gives me great hugs, offers huge pieces of wisdom, and makes pretty darn good chocolate chip cookies, but he is a hard worker, never gives half best to anything (even when he could), he led our family under Christ, and he always reminds me to stay close to God. I couldn't ask for more.
But you know what? God gave me more. Not only was I blessed beyond belief to have a present, influential father figure in MY life, but my husband was too. And that makes TWO wonderful dads for me....
Dave you are so important to me! Words almost can't express my thankfullness to have you as a father-in-law. You also give killer hugs, true wisdom when we need it, a listening ear, and the best spaghetti I've ever had. I'm so grateful for the father you were to Jared!! And the father-in-law you are to me. :)
What an example Jared has in front of him... smile at the picture, yes, but behind all that are true models of what it means to be a Godly husband, father, servant, and friend. Dad... Dave... I love you! Happy Father's day!!
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